The importance of thorough housebreaking cannot be over-emphasized. The younger the dog, the more difficult the job will be. Some breeds housebreak more readily than others. Unless you do what has to be done, whether directly housebreaking or paper-training as an intermediate step, as discussed below, the dog will not learn. -housebroken dogs are unacceptable. All the reasons that make dogs worthwhile, enjoyable companions are destroyed if the dog cannot be thrust in the house.

     There are two basic housebreaking techniques, one that uses paper-breaking as an intermediate stage. Direct housebreaking is by far preferable, but is not convenient to everyone life style. If you have a yard of any sort, just outside your door, it is not only possible but also best to housebreak directly, Apartment dwellers may have to rely on the intermediate paper0breaking method.

     Direct housebreaking is simple. Basically, it involves taking the puppy outside frequently, allowing him to relieve himself, and returning him to the house. Once inside, he is confined to either a large sleeping-living box or crate, or a playpen, or if you can keep a close eye on him, loose, but in a restricted space such as the kitchen. In either case, the puppy will be restrict to a small area in which he must play and sleep, an area that he will be extremely reluctant to soil.

     If he does soil the are, and accidents will happen, chastise him mildly and take him outside immediately to the area he has used before, to remind him that the only permissible place is there. Remember to be fair to him, though. A young puppy needs to eliminate often, so take him out frequently in the early days before he has built up a measure of control. He must be taken out about a 1/2 house after each feeding. With are, he will be able to contain himself for long periods and the necessary outings will be reduced to approximately hour a day, but let him work up slowly.

     There is nothing cruel about restricting a puppy to a box or crate, contrary to what many new bog people think. It is actually a kindness to slow the puppy to get housebreaking over and done with efficiently. A majority of housebreaking problems originate with the "kind" owner who lets an in trained puppy have the run of the house. Then the puppy falls into the habit of soiling the floors and furniture, and for years afterward he may be subjected to constant corrections.

     The choice is between a coupe of weeks of close confinement resulting in efficient housebreaking and the possibility of years of dissatisfaction accompanied by nonstop corrections. Furthermore, it's not as if the dog is in solitary confinement. Give your puppy plenty of attention and playtime both in and out of his confinement area. Accustoming a dog to a crate may also be beneficial later, if you decide to travel with him. In addition, many experienced breeders and trainers who give their dogs Free access to their crates following housebreaking will tell you that dogs appreciate having a space of their own apart from the hustle and bustle of human life.

     Housebreaking in an apartment is a more difficult task. Your veterinarian may advise you not to take the puppy out into the city streets until his shots fully protect him from diseases he might contract there. On the other hand, it may be difficult to make frequent trips down to the street from a high-rise apartment. Such cases call for use of the paper training method. Cover the entire floor of the paper training room, preferably the kitchen, with several thicknesses of newspaper, and confine the puppy to that area. Wait for him to use them, then pick up the soiled papers and replace them. Don't rush over and grab the papers, as you would if he has g=done int he wrong place. Wait until he is distracted, and then pick up most of the top layer. Leave enough for him to detect a faint scent, to refresh his memory that "THIS IS THE RIGHT SPOT". Continue in this fashion for it. If he does, chastise him mildly and put him on the papers, letting him know that is the one and only place for him to go. As he seems to understand the paper idea, widen the bare area until You have a papered space equivalent to about two full newspaper sheets. Allow him to use that area until he is old enough to go to the street. Then begin street walks with him until he learns the street is the proper place for elimination, and remove the papers. At that point, watch carefully for any indication of need for relief (he may search frantically for the papers) and then take him out IMMEDIATELY.

     As with direct housebreaking, keep him absolutely confined (in the case to the paper-breaking area) until the lesson if fully learned. Also, you can help your puppy control his bladder by limited water at night. Don't give him water for at least two hours before his bedtime (this is, of course, your bedtime), and make sure his is taken out, or allowed access to the papers, just before the household retires.

     BE PATIENT, AND GOOD LUCK !!!

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